Jesus Ociel Baena became the first nonbinary magistrate in Mexico on the day of their election in early October of 2022. They advocated for LGBTQ rights in a country lacking protections and having little acknowledgement for queer individuals. Despite same-gender marriage being legalized that same year, there continue to be reports of hate crimes with no punitive action taken. The hateful rhetoric results in members of the community being met with violence and often death.
Baena’s seat in office gave recognition to non-binary individuals in a very public sector.
This made them no stranger to threats of death sent their way. They had publicly addressed these threats in various instances. Most notably after the murder of another prominent queer activist Ulises Salvador Nava, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Baena spoke to press on the death of their comrade stating, “This is an unprecedented and tragic event in the land of good people. We demand the prosecutors to seek justice.”
“Esto es un acontecimiento trágico sin precedentes en la tierra de la jente buena. Le exigimos al fiscal que haga justicia.”
The state prosecutor has announced the cause of death of Baena to be a murder-suicide carried out by their partner, Dorian Herrera, in their home in Aquascalientes. However, the Mexican authorities have become notorious for crimes against LGBTQ people to be dubbed crimes of passion instead of delving into an investigation.
After the death of Baena on November 13, marches amassed throughout Mexico to demand a proper investigation into their death. The marches have called for justice for other deaths in the community as well, much like Baena did for Nava.
Jesus Ociel Baena not only made strides with their election, they worked on achieving the ability to access a gender-neutral marker on personal identification documents. They became one of the first people to receive a gender-neutral passport. The judge also garnered a gender-neutral title for their position—magistrade.
Marches have continued since Monday in Mexico, and the investigation remains ongoing. The death of Baena is an ache resounding across the community.
Photo courtesy of social media
